JoinAn Integrated Mechanics and Calculus Course for Poorly Prepared Students: Avoiding the All-too-Pervasive Assumption that Students have a Common Starting Point
This article reports on a new coordinated introductory precalculus, calculus, and mechanics course designed to overcome the barriers presented by traditional courses. The course is based on the premise that all students can succeed given appropriate instruction, support, and expectations. Poorly prepared students need more structure and attention than adequately prepared students, so meeting students where they are academically rather than assuming a common starting point serves a greater need and allows a greater number of students to succeed.